FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky — The mission to subtly deliver crucial supplies to soldiers operating in enemy territory just got a bit easier for U.S. Army logistics operators at Fort Campbell.
Twenty-five Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), gathered September 9-13, for a Non-standard Logistics Course hosted by a team of industry experts from Diversified Logistics Solutions out of Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Non-standard logistics are typically conducted during unconventional warfare operations behind enemy lines, where even the slightest U.S. signature in a denied area can compromise the overall mission.
“This course has given me a broader perspective of what it’s like to be in a situation other than conventional warfare like your typical deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Capt. Chester Williams, a transportation officer with 96th Aviation Support Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, who attended the training.
Williams also said that the biggest difference he sees between conventional logistics and non-standard logistics is sourcing.
“If I want to get food on the regular Army side I’d go through the Defense Logistical Agency, but with non-standard logistics we would actually go through the local population using local stores and companies,” said Williams.
Unlike a conventional distribution network with military vehicles traveling the same supply routes at predictable times, the resistance distribution network utilizes more random methods using a variety of vehicles and local national drivers operating during the most secure and inconspicuous times to ensure no disruption to the local pattern of life.
"Non-standard logistics is the application of principles designed to protect the support and sustainment of sensitive operations," said Mr. Denny Orr, CEO and president of Diversified Logistics Solutions.
The U.S. Army regularly employs Non-standard logistics for operations involving low signal rapid deployment of personnel and equipment.
The training was coordinated by the 5th SFG (A), who reached out to soldiers across Fort Campbell to help create a bridge between the special operations community and conventional Army units.